The Parliamentary delegation finishes its visit in Geneva
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, October 23
The Parliamentary delegation of Georgia, chaired by the Vice-Speaker, Manana Kobakhidze, visited Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 133th General Assembly of IPU(Inter Parliamentary Union).
The IPU GA opened on October 17 with the main topic of migration. The participants discussed the enhancement of moral and economic support to legal and human migration. This year, the IPU assembly was attended by the delegations of 135 countries, including the Speakers of the Parliaments of 47 countries, the Vice-Speakers of the Parliaments of 48 countries and more than 700 MPs of various countries.
The Georgian delegation held two bilateral meetings – with the Parliamentary Delegations of the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Sweden. The parties spoke about political and economic situation in Georgia. Deriving from the regional processes, emphasis was placed on the current economic challenges faced by Georgia.
The Georgian delegation informed their colleagues about the important economic projects in Georgia. The parties spoke about the Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi and EUAA (EU – Georgia Association Agreement).
The Georgian delegation noted that the negotiations with China will adopt important changes to economic situation of Georgia, and the EUAA will allow Georgia to further approximate to EU standards and norms.
At both meetings, the parties spoke about investments. The Georgian delegation clearly attracted interest in Georgia's favourable investment environment, and noted that important legislative changes have been undertaken in this direction; the regulated tax system makes Georgia attractive for foreign partners.
The parties also spoke about the ongoing reforms in Georgia, including those in the judicial sector. The Georgian delegation reiterated that their priority remains human rights. The parties touched upon the territorial integrity of Georgia and the creeping annexation by Russia, as well as the freedom of the media. As noted, today as never before, the Georgian media is absolutely free without any pressure from the Government. The meetings were attended by the resident representative of Georgia to the UN in Geneva and other organizations, Shalva Tsiskarishvili.
The meetings of the Secretary Generals of the Parliaments were also held within the Assembly. In addition, the Georgian delegation held an nformal meeting with the Ukrainian delegation. The parties spoke about the situation in Ukraine and Russian aggression.
The Vice-Speaker, Manana Kobakhidze once more confirmed Georgian support to Ukraine and expressed her concern over the current situation.
The IPU GA finished on October 21.
